June Internationals and Pacific Nations Cup Review Round 1

The June Internationals was largely predictable with wins for Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and Scotland, while Wales will be added to the list later this week. Approximately half of the tipsters in the Super Rugby Tips conference picked all of the winners, although some of the margins were tricky with All Blacks winning by less than expected, while the Wallabies and Springboks won by more than expected. It was difficult to know how the World XV would go against the Springboks, given they had some impressive players in their team, but it is hard to come together from different countries and expect to beat one of the best teams in the world with limited preparation. Picking all of the winning teams will give half of the tipsters in the Super Rugby Tips tipping conference a huge boost with a Grand Slam Bonus point.

There will be plenty of food for thought for test rugby teams. For example, which changes are required by the All Blacks to improve against England in the second test, while what will coach Stuart Lancaster do with his team after the understrength England team almost won, but he has the luxury of picking some of his top players after the Aviva Premiership final?

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The Pacific Nations Cup was tougher to pick. It is difficult finding information about some of these fixtures beforehand. Samoa drew with Tonga in a result which stuffed up most tipsters, while Japan won away against Canada. The Japanese have been impressive recently, but who would have thought that this would extend to them winning in North America? Only 0.50% of tipsters picked a draw in the Samoa vs Tonga match since Samoa were at home and looked stronger on paper. Under half of tipsters picked Japan to beat Canada in North America, turning it into a bad opening round for most tipsters.

Which teams impressed you in June Internationals and Pacific Nations Cup Round 1?